Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

cdnpinhead · October 2021

There are 4.3 weeks in a month, average. Otherwise there'd be 48 weeks in a year. Or you could do the 4-4-5 approach. Either way, it was a big deal when working with complex engineering budgets based on 40-hour weeks and, of course, twelve months in a year, with some stuff based on quarterly expenditures.

Michaell · October 2021

boomchek said:

Michaell said:

Sandman6472 said:
$195 bi-weekly...isn't that the same as $390/month? Is that a Canadian thing as I've never heard that here in the United States.
And, $390 Canadian dollars, which is around $315/mo USD

That’s a good payment for that car. Also.ends me to believe that the lease programs up north are much better for shorter terms.
Surprisingly, most short term lease deals are pricey, at almost 50-100% higher payments than a 2 year lease. You need to do 4 years to keep payments low, except in Subarus for some reason. Residual is at a high $24k even though the sticker price is $32k. And on a WRX if you stretch payments over a longer term they don't go down at all. So to me it doesn't make sense to go longer term if I don't need to.

We don't have any access to Canadian lease programs; interesting that Subaru uses an APR rather than a Money Factor for their leases.

The only big brand to do that in the US is Ford/Lincoln - easy enough to convert from one to the other.

rny421 · October 2021

I kind have an itch for a convertible again... As you may or may not remember, I had a 2007 Sky Redline, which I got rid of because I was barely using it. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was SO small, that it was impractical to even take on a weekend trip.

Looking at used convertibles that are available in a manual transmission, I've come to the 328i (would prefer the 335, but don't want to deal with the known issues) and the and Audi TT. Ideally, I'd like to be in the $15K range, but could go to $20K if it was right. A lot of these are up there in mileage.

Am I signing up for a world of hurt with these models? These are two that interest me currently:

2008 Audi TT

2012 BMW 3 Series

I am telling myself that patience will help me because even if I get a convertible now, I won't really be able to drive it because winter is coming. Also, there may be the potential for the impacts of the chip shortage to be alleviated come spring, bringing the values of these down a bit? One can hope...

28firefighter · October 2021

Out of curiosity, what is the 24 month residual here on a WRX. Typically they’re not high enough over 36 month values to be worth it.

stickguy · October 2021

I would trust the BMW more. and for that much less would pick that one of the 2. But man, the folding hardtop decimates trunk space. But you do get a back seat to make up for it.

pretty wide net, NJ and Ill. I almost was at the dealer this week that has the BMW. Probably a little pricey (but these days, who knows) but I really don't like black over black on anything, and especially not a convertible. If that was colors I liked, different story!

Sandman6472 · October 2021

From all that I've been reading regarding the chip issue, looking like it's going to be 2023 before we get back to normal. I've read various articles which all suggest that things will start to improve by the end of 2022 but it'll be going into 2023 for things to be fully back to normal. And have a feeling that by then, there will be so many folks wanting to purchase that prices will still stay high as demand may well be greater than supply at that time. There will be a lot of pent up demand for folks wanting something newer so car dealers will still be in a great position...for awhile. For folks like me who want something newer but don't need something, waiting will be our best bet to be honest. Luckily, I don't drive that much anymore and we've finally found a very good mechanic that doesn't just throw parts at a problem hoping it'll work. And he's reasonably priced which means he's busy and one must make an appointment. Found him through word of mouth and he seems to understand German vehicles, which we have two of.
At least for myself, I'm willing to wait awhile to get my next ride and hoping that those crazy bogus admin fees are a thing of the past as I won't pay them, no way...no how! I'll just find a dealer that no longer has them and purchase there. Down here in South Florida, there are many Toyota & Hyundai/Kia dealers, so have plenty to choose from. I've also added the Kia Seltos to my short list as the more I see of them on the roads, the more I like them. Gives me the added height I'm looking for but only drawback is I'd have to get an AWD model since I want the 1.6 turbo engine top of the line model. Don't really need AWD down here but might have to bite the bullet on this one but the Toyota C C is still the number one vehicle I want to look at.
Volunteered to do a four hour shift at Toyota today, they have service from 7 to 4 on Sundays, so, gotta run! I'll be working six days in a row this week...am I crazy or what???

fintail · October 2021

Speaking of leases and how much of a seller's market it is at least for some models, another wonderful deal from an E-class group:

Just locked in my build for a 2022 E450 All Terrain. Not a crazy build and MSRP is $77,180. For a 3 year lease, 10k miles/year, $0 down, MB wants $1,619/month. Residual is $42,449. Per my sales rep, MB is offering no discounts and no incentives on the All Terrain. Might just buy instead.

rny421 · October 2021

stickguy said:

pretty wide net, NJ and Ill. I almost was at the dealer this week that has the BMW. Probably a little pricey (but these days, who knows) but I really don't like black over black on anything, and especially not a convertible. If that was colors I liked, different story!

Knowing that my requirements narrow down the number of available vehicles (specific model, manual, convertible) - I'm not afraid of coordinating travel to get what I want. Actually, all of my cars have been purchased out of state (Maine, Rhode Island, NJ), other than the e-tron, which was delivered to me. Depending on how serious I get, I may have you take a look at it for me if you're be open to it

According to KBB, the BMW is $1K overpriced, and the Audi is $5K overpriced. I would think KBB has adjusted for recent inflations in the vehicle market, but who knows.

oldfarmer50 · October 2021

rny421 said:
I kind have an itch for a convertible again... As you may or may not remember, I had a 2007 Sky Redline, which I got rid of because I was barely using it. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was SO small, that it was impractical to even take on a weekend trip.

Looking at used convertibles that are available in a manual transmission, I've come to the 328i (would prefer the 335, but don't want to deal with the known issues) and the and Audi TT. Ideally, I'd like to be in the $15K range, but could go to $20K if it was right. A lot of these are up there in mileage.

Am I signing up for a world of hurt with these models? These are two that interest me currently:

2008 Audi TT

2012 BMW 3 Series

I am telling myself that patience will help me because even if I get a convertible now, I won't really be able to drive it because winter is coming. Also, there may be the potential for the impacts of the chip shortage to be alleviated come spring, bringing the values of these down a bit? One can hope...

Certainly this time of year will give you the best price but by spring any sort of warranty from the dealer would be over. I’d hate to go start my toy after 6 months storage only to find it had problems that now aren’t covered.

I like that Audi. I was considering one in 2008 but the price exceeded my budget.

xwesx · October 2021

rny421 said:
Depending on how serious I get, I may have you take a look at it for me if you're be open to it

I think you would need to twist his arm pretty hard to get him to trek out just to look at / drive cars.

kyfdx · October 2021

28firefighter said:
Out of curiosity, what is the 24 month residual here on a WRX. Typically they’re not high enough over 36 month values to be worth it.

Subaru USA leases are terrible for 24 months

28firefighter · October 2021

That’s what I thought.

kyfdx · October 2021

kyfdx · October 2021

corvette · October 2021

Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.

jmonroe1 · October 2021

kyfdx said:

When did you put siding on your house?

jmonroe

stickguy · October 2021

that lease is absurd. borrow 77K @3% for 60 months, and that is only $1,384/month. and at the end of 3 years, would only owe about $32K on it

jmonroe1 · October 2021

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.

Hint: You’ve got to remember the “tape” fix.

jmonroe

stickguy · October 2021

I have time Monday if you need me to go ~~beat the snot out of it~~ give it a nice gentle test drive. Not that I am any kind of expert, but I can spot the obvious stuff, and had decent spidey senses to tell me if something seems off.

stickguy · October 2021

the Celica seems to be missing a hood. based on that, and the mid-80's Supra wheels, guessing that it may not be stock, engine wise.

I like that though. I would be happy to have one of that vintage to toy around with, assuming it was not rusty (highly unlikely at this point, especially if it was ever used around here).

roadburner · October 2021

jmonroe1 said:

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.
Hint: You’ve got to remember the “tape” fix.

jmonroe

You might try Cataclean; it worked on my wife's X3 for about 10k miles. The final option is to put a spark plug anti-fouler on the downstream sensor.

au1994 · October 2021

rny421 said:
I kind have an itch for a convertible again... As you may or may not remember, I had a 2007 Sky Redline, which I got rid of because I was barely using it. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was SO small, that it was impractical to even take on a weekend trip.

Looking at used convertibles that are available in a manual transmission, I've come to the 328i (would prefer the 335, but don't want to deal with the known issues) and the and Audi TT. Ideally, I'd like to be in the $15K range, but could go to $20K if it was right. A lot of these are up there in mileage.

Am I signing up for a world of hurt with these models? These are two that interest me currently:

2008 Audi TT

2012 BMW 3 Series

I am telling myself that patience will help me because even if I get a convertible now, I won't really be able to drive it because winter is coming. Also, there may be the potential for the impacts of the chip shortage to be alleviated come spring, bringing the values of these down a bit? One can hope...

I had a ‘11 328 coupe and a ‘13 335 convertible. The 328 is more than adequate power wise and both are a nice overall package. If you can find a 335 the step up from the 328 is…holy cow! Plus it makes a great noise with the top down. As someone else noted, trunk space is nil when the top is down but if its just 2 of you and a spare car, probably not a big deal. Plenty of info out there about potential faults. I think there are some window gremlins and you’ll want to make sure the top has been taken care of. All of that origami needs lubed from time to time. Nearly 17k seems a little dear to me but thats the world we live in.

oldfarmer50 · October 2021

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.

Looks like it’s time for the old lacquer thinner in the gas tank trick.

https://youtu.be/Vtoa8XtwW-4

au1994 · October 2021

28firefighter said:
$36,2 for the Outback. Bets how high this goes?

I have to laugh when I think about what a hot shot I thought I was in September of 2020 when I flipped the Crosstrek for ~1500 more than owed. That little booger would probably net me a positive 5k now!

au1994 · October 2021

roadburner said:

jmonroe1 said:

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.
Hint: You’ve got to remember the “tape” fix.

jmonroe
You might try Cataclean; it worked on my wife's X3 for about 10k miles. The final option is to put a spark plug anti-fouler on the downstream sensor.

I ran a bottle through the Land Cruiser and cured a smell I was getting when I turned it off.

jmonroe1 · October 2021

oldfarmer50 said:

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.
Looks like it’s time for the old lacquer thinner in the gas tank trick.

https://youtu.be/Vtoa8XtwW-4

At the start of the lawnmower season I pour a few once’s of lacquer thinner in the gas tank. I know it’s doing something because the color of the metal at the outlet of the muffler is a beige color not the black that it was. That color reminds me of what a good spark plug looks like. I haven’t harmed a lawnmower engine yet doing that. I think my lawnmower looks forward to the first start-up in the Spring.

jmonroe

Michaell · October 2021

28firefighter said:
Out of curiosity, what is the 24 month residual here on a WRX. Typically they’re not high enough over 36 month values to be worth it.

Between 66% and 69%.

However, the 24 month MF is .00260

jmonroe1 · October 2021

au1994 said:

roadburner said:

jmonroe1 said:

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.
Hint: You’ve got to remember the “tape” fix.

jmonroe
You might try Cataclean; it worked on my wife's X3 for about 10k miles. The final option is to put a spark plug anti-fouler on the downstream sensor.
I ran a bottle through the Land Cruiser and cured a smell I was getting when I turned it off.

Your supposed to take the cat with you when you get out of the car.

jmonroe

28firefighter · October 2021

@Michaell said:
Between 66% and 69%.

However, the 24 month MF is .00260

Woof

qbrozen · October 2021

Drive home was uneventful. Everything works, brakes are good (I had no idea you could still get rear drums on an SUV in 2010), tires are almost new Goodyears. It does stink inside. From our discussions and the clues, I believe it to be a result of him getting the interior steamed and then locking it up and leaving it for weeks. Just cosmetics.

Michaell · October 2021

qbrozen said:
Drive home was uneventful. Everything works, brakes are good (I had no idea you could still get rear drums on an SUV in 2010), tires are almost new Goodyears. It does stink inside. From our discussions and the clues, I believe it to be a result of him getting the interior steamed and then locking it up and leaving it for weeks. Just cosmetics.

Nice looking - a good detail will have it looking great. Seems like a perfect fit for the intended use case.

kyfdx · October 2021

stickguy said:
the Celica seems to be missing a hood. based on that, and the mid-80's Supra wheels, guessing that it may not be stock, engine wise.

I like that though. I would be happy to have one of that vintage to toy around with, assuming it was not rusty (highly unlikely at this point, especially if it was ever used around here).

Front hinge hood. I'm a bad photographer.

Everything looked stock, other than an aftermarket head unit.
I actually took this picture for you. 1977 model

kyfdx · October 2021

kyfdx · October 2021

RHD

kyfdx · October 2021

@stickguy
Celica interior

jmonroe1 · October 2021

qbrozen said:
Drive home was uneventful. Everything works, brakes are good (I had no idea you could still get rear drums on an SUV in 2010), tires are almost new Goodyears. It does stink inside. From our discussions and the clues, I believe it to be a result of him getting the interior steamed and then locking it up and leaving it for weeks. Just cosmetics.

Once you get it a bathing suit and golf clubs, it’ll feel right at home in Myrtle Beach.

Let us know how it does on the trip down there.

jmonroe

stickguy · October 2021

I forgot those were front hinged. not a lot of them around.

I like it. looks well used but honest. I would take it for a price that was not absurd.

oldfarmer50 · October 2021

qbrozen said:
Drive home was uneventful. Everything works, brakes are good (I had no idea you could still get rear drums on an SUV in 2010), tires are almost new Goodyears. It does stink inside. From our discussions and the clues, I believe it to be a result of him getting the interior steamed and then locking it up and leaving it for weeks. Just cosmetics.

The rust on that doesn’t look too bad although you can’t tell what’s brewing on the inside. Don’t let that hatch lip go too long or chunks will be dropping.

All in all that’s a winner in this market.

stickguy · October 2021

it does look OK for the price, if the mechanicals are as good as expected. Shouldn't be too hard to make some respectable backyard repairs on the body. just hope when you start grinding, you find metal before daylight!

qbrozen · October 2021

I already ripped off the silly window vent thingies. doused the interior with a delouser or whatever it is called. made for animal stinks. Started digging into the tailgate. Had the thought that, worst case, I can stick on a straight black trim piece to cover it. Kind of like how all the manufacturers do to their vehicles to make them look tough. I found a set of fender flares I think might work, so ordered those up. Have POR-15 and some bondo on the way. I'll see what I can do.

28firefighter · October 2021

Wife told me today she’d entertain us getting an M240 if I flipped both the ZHP and the Outback. This feels like a trap to get me to give up a third car.

corvette · October 2021

@roadburner said:
You might try Cataclean; it worked on my wife's X3 for about 10k miles. The final option is to put a spark plug anti-fouler on the downstream sensor.

Thanks. I’m being careful what I put in the tank on account of the rubber fuel bladder, which sometimes goes bad. If the code returns, I will do some research on the cleaner. Otherwise, I think an aftermarket cat is about $250-400 installed (source: my friend who had hers stolen).

kyfdx · October 2021

28firefighter said:
Wife told me today she’d entertain us getting an M240 if I flipped both the ZHP and the Outback. This feels like a trap to get me to give up a third car.

It does sound like a trap, but intriguing, nonetheless.

corvette · October 2021

28firefighter said:
Wife told me today she’d entertain us getting an M240 if I flipped both the ZHP and the Outback. This feels like a trap to get me to temporarily give up a third car.

Fixed that for you.

mjfloyd1 · October 2021

I’m not sure a 240 for a ZHP and outback is a good deal. I guess it depends on how attached you are to the ZHP

boomchek · October 2021

Michaell said:

qbrozen said:
Drive home was uneventful. Everything works, brakes are good (I had no idea you could still get rear drums on an SUV in 2010), tires are almost new Goodyears. It does stink inside. From our discussions and the clues, I believe it to be a result of him getting the interior steamed and then locking it up and leaving it for weeks. Just cosmetics.

Nice looking - a good detail will have it looking great. Seems like a perfect fit for the intended use case.

Congrats! Looks pretty clean.

I always tell our detailers to avoid shampooing used car interiors unless they really need it. Otherwise the vehicles come back from detail, stay locked while on the lot, and the moisture evaporates fogging up all the windows and leaving a wet dog smell inside. You just need to vent it properly and put some air freshener inside.

xwesx · October 2021

corvette said:
Great pics @kyfdx!

I ran the code reader on the Prius and the good news is that it's not the same code. The bad news is that its a P0420, which generally means a bad catalytic converter. The previous owner had the OEM cat replaced--I assume with an aftermarket--but I don't know how long ago. The aftermarket ones generally do not last as long as OEM, from what I can tell, so it's very possible it could have gone bad again. Anyway, I reset the code and we'll see whether it comes back.

If you're getting P0420 *after* replacing the oxygen sensors, then it's likely the unit just isn't up to snuff, or, like you said, it's actually gone bad again.

tjc78 · October 2021

Nice find on the Escape Q. It has my favorite Ford exclusive feature on it!

au1994 · October 2021

Congrats on the Escape, Q. The body work looks manageable and I’m very surprised at how clean the interior is.

au1994 · October 2021

28firefighter said:
Wife told me today she’d entertain us getting an M240 if I flipped both the ZHP and the Outback. This feels like a trap to get me to give up a third car.

Interesting proposal. Would the Wrangler offer enough utility over the Outback? Certainly a good way to take advantage of the killer offer on it if so.

Take it for what its worth but I still regret getting rid of my ZHP. It probably would have been gone by now anyway for a variety of reasons but I still miss it.

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